Chapter 6 The Americas What was significant about the first Americans? Evidence of dwelling up to 15,000 years ago. Mainly Hunter-Gatherers until introduction of farming maize by 5000 B.C.E First Civilizations appeared in Mesoamerica (lowland regions near the modern city of Veracruz and in the Yucatan Peninsula further to the East). What was significant about the first Americans?

Early Civilizations in Central America What was significant about the first civilizations in central America? Olmecs- first appeared in first milennium B.C.E. Intensive agriculture, widespread trading network, Undecipherable writing system, similar to later Mayan writings. Society consisted of several classes- skilled artisans produced massive stone heads (more than 10 feet high) Supported themselves by cultivating crops- corn and beans- fishing and hunting.

Early Civilizations in Central America - continued Teothuacan- first metropolis – 3rd century B.C.E. about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City. Evidence of Sun worship, sacrifice. Farming and trade evident, located near an obsidian mine By 800 C.E. for reasons unknown, wealth and power of city began to decline. Two centuries of feuds over farmlands persisted until later peoples from neighboring areas that were attracted by rich soil settled into the area. They drained the lakes and built chinampas or swampy islands crisscrossed by canals to provide water for crops. What was significant about early civilizations in central America - continued

Early Civilizations in Central America – cont. What was significant about early civilizations in Central America – cont. Maya – Yucatan Peninsula. Two main commodities; cacao trees and obsidian. Agricultural societies- lived on chinampas or terraced hills. Evidence of some women having power (Pacal became King based on matrilineal decent) Most important city-states; Tikal and Copan- substantial urban populations. Polytheistic, supreme god Itzamna and human sacrifice common. Mayan writing system much more advanced than Aztecs. Mysterious end- possible theories; overuse of land or drought.

Early Civilizations in Central America – cont. What was significant about early civilizations in Central America? –cont. Aztecs – Valley of Mexico, 12th cent. Excellent warriors- became leading city-state in the lake region by 15 cent. B.C.E. Monarchy – divine and secular- successor chosen within royal family or small group of senior officials. Efficient bureaucracy- little central authority outside of capital. Considerable autonomy as long as paid tribute to ruler. Clear line of demarcation between roles of males and females. Males of noble birth sent to temple schools to gain military training- then could select and career in either military service, gov. or priesthood. Women were expected to work in the home, weave textiles and raise children- could own and inherit property. Commoners, Indentured workers and slaves made up the majority. Lived in large kinship groups called calpulli – headed by and elected chief who was the link with the central gov.

Early Civilizations in Central America – cont. What was significant about the early civilizations of central America - cont. Polytheistic in nature- supreme god Ometeotl Human sacrifice prevalent to postpone the day of reckoning. Did not possess written literature but developed hieroglyphs. Conquered by Hernan Cortes in 1519- Spaniards has superior technology in addition to spreading diseases (small pox) that Europeans had long since become immune to. Some estimates are 80% native population died of diseases.